Hard Talk – Healthcare cost burden

By Nasik Swami: Payroll tax on GPs, increasing costs for GP visits, and a complicated Medicare scheme—is our health system failing our communities and the most vulnerable? Are the increasing healthcare costs becoming a deterrent for people in our district to visit a GP/doctor and seek treatment when our public hospitals are already overcrowded? Who should be held accountable for the burden of the extra healthcare costs people in country towns are facing? The Royal Australian College of GPs and the Australian Medical Association have warned the payroll tax would force clinics to pass on the cost to patients, end bulk billing, or shut down completely. In this edition of Hard Talk, The News digs deep into the much talked about GP payroll tax, the increasing cost of seeing a GP in country towns like Naracoorte, and a review of our Medicare system. We asked the SA Health Minister Chris […]

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Artists celebrate places near and far

Mount Gambier artists of the South East Art Society will travel to Naracoorte to stage an exhibition showcasing places they have been and seen.

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Fears for Millicent as mill jobs face axe

Member for MacKillop Jason Virgo has called for urgent state and federal government support for Millicent workers amid fears proposed changes at the town’s mill will lead to significant job losses.

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Youth conservation crew takes action

The Limestone Coast Landscape Board’s newest youth environmental leadership program is officially underway. Launched as a pilot program in 2026, the Conservation Crew of the Limestone Coast brings together five passionate young environmental advocates committed to creating positive change across the region.

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Naracoorte Market report: 29/9/2026

Cattle: LWB 20 – LWY 499 – LWC 328 – OAY 16

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One foot forward for mental health

October marks the start of Mental Health Month, and with spring in full swing, the Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to put One Foot Forward for better mental health.

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History of good wine and brandy

Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club members recently heard about the history of vineyards and wineries in the Coonawarra Wine Region.

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